Pros
Flexible schedule, you can use the bathroom whenever you want (if you are a teacher you know what I mean)
Cons
If you have ever worked for a public school before, you have benefitted from the teacher's union and job protection whether you realize it or not. I have been a teacher for 15 years... 10 with the county and 5 with FLVS. While working for public schools, I've dealt with supportive administration and I've also dealt with incompetent ones who tried to treat me unfairly and blind side me. However, I always had a union representative to intervene and arbitrate when I worked for the county. I know there are cons to it being hard to fire teachers with the public school districts but if you are a good teacher, it does provide some protection from getting fired for a single mistake. At FLVS, if an IL (priniciple) comes after you or chooses not to support you, you will get fired. It will not matter how great your evaluations are. It will not matter how amazing you are. It will not matter how much blood and sweat you have given to that institution. You will be fired and now you will have to find a job and on your applications when asked your reason for leaving, what will you say? You will need to say you left because you were fired. FLVS does not care at all about their teachers. They never see your face and they are run like a corporation so you are just a disposable, replaceable means to an end (that end being money). Florida is a right to work (or as I say right to fire people) state which means a company can fire you for ANY reason other than blatant discrimination. Also, you will work evenings and I don't mean grading papers for a few hours. I mean you will be on the phone with parents and students until 7 or 8pm. Again, if you don't mind working evenings and if you are okay with getting fired at the drop of a hat then go for it. The one benefit is ho w nice most of the other teachers are but that can also be a con since no one speaks up and says anything about the problems the school has, including some very incompetent managers. I have decided to start the process of starting my own business and am leaving the company (since I feel safer working for myself). The company used to be amazing and great to work for. Teachers used to have to work weekends and even that was easier than dealing with some of the unreasonable managers.
